Crailar, Tuscarora Partner for Flax-Blend Yarns
Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc., maker of Crailar yarns, struck a licensing deal with Mt. Pleasant, N.C.–based Tuscarora Yarns to create new blended yarns using Crailar flax.
Under terms of the deal, Tuscarora will design and produce Crailar-yarn blends for sale and distribution by Crailar’s third-party licensees.
Crailar yarns are made under a proprietary enzymatic process developed by Naturally Advanced Technologies in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada. The enzymatic process turns natural bast fibers—including flax, hemp, jut and kenaf—into a soft and durable fiber that has the comfort of cotton. Textiles made from Crailar fibers can be used in apparel, footwear, work wear and domestic textiles, as well as in industrial applications. According to Naturally Advanced Technologies, in the last year Crailar-flax fibers have been used by—or are in development with—HanesBrands, Georgia-Pacific, Levi Strauss & Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, Westex, Brilliant Global Knitwear and Target. Crailar Fiber Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Vancouver- and Portland, Ore.–based Naturally Advanced Technologies. Crailar fibers are made using environmentally sustainable processing and production, according to Naturally Advanced Technologies, which was founded in 1998 to be a provider of environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing.
For more information, visit www.tuscarorayarns.com or www.naturallyadvanced.com.—A.A.N.
